LOR From a Second-Year Resident?

[DendWrite]

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During my freshman year, I worked primarily with a 3rd year med student (who was taking some time off to do research before applying to residencies / finishing medical school) who basically taught me the ropes, worked with me a lot, and saw me make a lot of progress (i.e. from a bumbling idiot to a semi-competent, probably won't break anything / can trust you to be alone with expensive things sort of person). He is now a second-year resident (so, technically an M.D.). Would asking him to write me an LOR be OK, or is this somehow considered "less valuable" than an MD LOR? Personally, I think it would be better given that he knows me better and we worked together for quite a while, but I didn't know if it was considered "taboo." I'd say that we are "friends" in that we keep each other posted on what's going on from time to time, but I don't really think he'd lie about me based on our relationship.

SO in short, is this cool, or should I only ask him if I can't find enough people to write me letters?

 

[teenmachinery1]

During my freshman year, I worked primarily with a 3rd year med student (who was taking some time off to do research before applying to residencies / finishing medical school) who basically taught me the ropes, worked with me a lot, and saw me make a lot of progress (i.e. from a bumbling idiot to a semi-competent, probably won't break anything / can trust you to be alone with expensive things sort of person). He is now a second-year resident (so, technically an M.D.). Would asking him to write me an LOR be OK, or is this somehow considered "less valuable" than an MD LOR? Personally, I think it would be better given that he knows me better and we worked together for quite a while, but I didn't know if it was considered "taboo." I'd say that we are "friends" in that we keep each other posted on what's going on from time to time, but I don't really think he'd lie about me based on our relationship.

SO in short, is this cool, or should I only ask him if I can't find enough people to write me letters?

i think this is fine.

 

[ahmcadams]

The expectation is typically that you receive your research LOR from your PI. This holds even though, especially in larger labs, students commonly work under the guidance of a post-doc rather than directly with the PI. If you can, I'd ask your PI for a letter and perhaps suggest to the resident that he discuss your performance with the PI on your behalf. That would likely be more convincing than a letter written by someone who was a med student during your primary interaction.

 

[teenmachinery1]

ooops misread - so if it's a research deal you should get the p.i. to write it.

 

[Ativanigans]

No. Get it from the PI.